Logistics
The Pharma product requires Temperature Controlled Logistics. It is important to have safe and secure delivery of time and temperature-sensitive drugs, diagnostic specimens, samples from clinical trials and other life sciences products.

The packaging, constructed from recyclable low-density polyethylene must be environmentally friendly and cost effective to handle and dispose. The Temperature Controlled Packaging should ensure safe and compliant transport in cooled, deep frozen or protected ambient states.

Using different cooling mediums the packaging should deliver temperature controlled cool chains for varying distribution times ranging from 2-8°C (up to 72 hours), -20°C (up to 120 hours) or protected ambient environments (2-25°C for up to 105 hours).

Packaging
The most suitable definition of packaging in the emerging concept of globalisation, implies that 'Packaging must protect what it sells, and sell what it protects" . This means that packaging must be considered at the design or formulation stage. It can also be mentioned that in general, the emphasis in packaging is dictated by the product (called as consuler packaging) and by the merchandising and distribution strategy. In consuler packaging, in contrast to distribution packaging, greater emphasis is placed on surface design considerations (colour, patterns, background and product identification), configurations, utility considerations, protective considerations, marketing considerations, production considerations, regulatory considerations and economic considerations.

The final form of any packaging should address issues related to Appearance, Protection, Function, Cost and Disposability. With reference to the pharmaceutical products, protection criteria plays an important role in packaging. Protection is normally required against two main hazards viz., chemical and physical. Chemical interaction between the product and its containers is doubly undesirable, because it may cause damage to the products as well as to the packaging container.

In the view of eco-friendly packaging and packaging waste management, stress should be placed on lowering the weight of packaging materials without decreasing its level of protection. Avoiding over packaging, developing new material that are more easily recyclable, developing new re-cycling technologies, switching to packaging materials that are environment friendly and usage of returnable or reusable packaging systems to comply with the laws enforced by developed countries in their imports are other areas wherein Indian companies should pay more attention to comply with international regulations.

There is a lot of talk on the need for fully air-conditioned retail set up. The area of concern is that India is a country where majority of the areas are under severe power crisis. International standards are to be adhered. There are several medicines, which should be stored under 25-degree temperature. Some should be kept under 16 degrees. Medicines should not be transported under normal room temperatures.

Spurious drug issue is another major area of concern. There are many experts in the government as well as in the industry who find trade responsible for the presence of "spurious drugs". The drug trade, at least in the metros, is to witness tremendous changes in the coming days. With retail drug chains like Medicine Shoppe establishing themselves in the cities, retail chemists would certainly have to invest more on infrastructure.